G is an exhibition and project space that was inaugurated in 2009
under the collaborative direction of John Goodwin and the School
of Fine Art and Music (SOFAM) at the University of Guelph. From the outset, G was envisioned
more as an opportunity and less as a fixed idea. The first year's
programming was a hybrid of exhibitions, events and residencies
aimed at establishing connections between the
pedagogical mandate
of the university and the exploratory collaborations characteristic of
the projects at Goodwater. G also fulfills SOFAM's desire to maintain
a fixed address on Toronto's cultural map. Going into its second year, this history remains an important part of
the space and is a legacy that confers a creative direction for G. A collective of recent Guelph alumni will oversee programming and
the day-to-day operations of the space with assistance from a small
advisory committee of current Guelph faculty and continued support
from SOFAM. Over the next twelve months, G aims to present an
ambitious programme of exhibitions and events while upholding a
shared spirit of experimentation. In addition, the recently launched web project, sidecentre.com, will
operate as an adjunct, virtual body to the new gallery space. It will
act as an archive to its activities and as a portal to the particulars of
its people and site. Parallel to the physical reality at 234 Queen Street
East, sidecentre.com will facilitate the virtual publication of artist
writings, sounds, visuals and internet situationalist-isms. G Gallery and sidecentre.com are generously supported by the College
of Arts and the School of Fine Arts and Music at the University of Guelph.
